Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/894226
Daniel's Story A retired construction worker, Daniel Thompson spent decades working with heavy concrete and suffered chronic shoulder and back pain as a result. Daniel wanted to stay in Valley City to receive pain management treatment at one central location without having to be referred back and forth between providers. Clark Kruta, certified registered nurse anesthetist, CHI Mercy Health, was an answer to his prayer. "With joint pain, pinched nerves, degenerating discs, and a bad hip, I had multiple issues causing me to almost jump out of my skin," Daniel says. "Clark patiently worked with me to narrow down treatments and find solutions." Daniel received epidurals, trigger point injections, facet joint injections, ketamine infusions, and nerve blocks during his time with Clark. "When you live with pain 24/7, it consumes your day, your family time, everything," Daniel says. "I can pitch in around the house now and feel ownership over my life, thanks to Clark." Daniel most appreciates that Clark is a man of his word and goes above and beyond for his patients, calling them at home to check in on their progress. "Wear and tear on the joints happens with time, but with the proper treatments, patients like Daniel can find the relief they are looking for," Clark says. "That's why I'm here." In addition to providing pain management, the Pain Service has supported Daniel's efforts to lose weight and spend more time exercising. Daniel looks forward to seeing Clark regularly. CHI Mercy Health Pain Management Care Team—Seated: Susan Kringlie, infection control/laboratory/radiology manager and Stephanie Kruta, operating room manager. Standing, first row: Amber Pederson, RN; Clark Kruta, CRNA; Donna Smith, director of rehabilitation services; Naomi Koch, case manager; and Janie Larson, RN. Standing, second row: Gerald Gerrick, radiologic technologist; Paul Kamrowski, radiologic technologist; Michael Martinson, radiologic technologist; Kyle Gregerson, PT; Matthew Sprague, laboratory technician; and Grant Goven, PT . CHI Mercy Health Pain Service interventions include nerve blocks, epidurals, mindfulness meditation, trigger point injections, and facet joint injections, along with a variety of holistic methods. The service will eventually offer ketamine infusions and radiofrequency ablation. 3 www.mercyhospitalvalleycity.org /// CATHOLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES